Originally posted by djfourmoney@Jan 23 2006, 12:35 AM ...edit...
Scion tC wasn't even in production and MANY things were available for it and modifed pre-production cars could be found all over the last 2 SEMA shows.
--Reply:* Well, we are talking about the marketing resources of Toyota here, soon to be the top manufacturer in the USA with the way things are going with Ford and GM.
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Besides the Reno Rally car (yawn) where the other modified Renos and Forzenas at?
No diss to the owners of the car, but c'mon Rallying to the general public is about as interesting as a tooth ache. America has a whole could give two shhh about the WRC as long as NASCAR owns the motorsport landscape and even less about the American rally culture.
--Reply:* As far as Sport Compact enthusiasts go, it's already a niche within a niche in the automotive market, so the above statement really is a moot point.
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They would have gotten more mileage out of building an all-out drag car since FWD doesn't make for a good drift car, that's your only other effective, media generating outlet for compact cars and even that is decreasing by the day.
But a really fast drag car would have earned Suzuki as a brand far more clout than building a couple of lukewarm concept cars and 2WD rally car has done so far.*
--Reply:* I agree with you 100% here.* To tell you the truth though, what about the VW scene?* Not really much of a prescence to speak of in motorsports with the GTI, but plenty of parts are available.* As far as the Boshart Motorsports Reno, I applaud the effort of building up the Reno.* They've built something out of an econobox...something different and unique.* Most of the "Sport Compact" kids will not appreciate it, but how many of the target audiences of say Turbo or Super Street really buy more than just a set of wheels and lowering springs and maybe a cat-back exhaust?
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I'm not here to rain on the Reno/Forzena parade, but if you don't have aftermarket support in the begining, you have to earn it. I speak from experience.
Things in the aftermarket aren't handed too you, you have to show desire, interest and you show it with your dollars, not a pen and paper or emails.
--Reply:* Basic business principles.* I sure hope that a few people clamoring for parts here do buy the stuf once it is available.
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Look, its simple. You want an aftermarket, you have to come correct or don't come at all.
You want a CAI from AEM or K&N? Show them your dollars!
By that I mean, get about 100 members of this board together (that shouldn't be hard, then again, I've never been suprised how hard it is to even get $10 from people that are broke in general), contact the company in question and make them an offer they can't refuse.
--Reply:* I will not speak for everyone here, but I bought the Reno to have something different to take out to autocross and track day events.* I'm not breaking the mold here, but after owning the requisite VW compact, an EP3 Civic SI, and driving my girlfriend's Mini, it's a breath of fresh air that a car like the Reno is available.* So, for me, it's not a matter of cash, well not until it runs into the 10K range for a car costing 12K.* When the right parts are available (Boshart's swaybars and coilovers), I will be the first to buy them.* I would like to tell everyone here that from what I've seen from Boshart so far, it looks like a quality product, but just be ready with the cash because quality costs $$$.
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I can put you in contact with the RIGHT PEOPLE to talk to at pretty much any of the aftermarket companies located in America, especially Southern California.
If you guys are serious about parts for the Reno, Forzena or even Aerio, contact me by PM. I'm developing a soft spot for Suzuki cars as they are generally unloved by the aftermarket, but show promising potential.
--Reply:* I've read a few of your posts, and it seems that you legitimately would like to get something started here.* But what's with all the PM's?* How about posting something, anything, ideas etc... about how to get things going here.
I've posted in the past that I will run this car in the SF Region SCCA Solo events and I've done the first event so far, and plan on doing more in the future.* People are out there asking about the Reno running on all season tires posting respectable times.* I let them know this is just a new car that needs just a bit of tweaking to really make it a true "GTI" for the decade.
djfourmoney.... it's my opinion that you honestly have no idea what your talking about.
Did you know the engine and tranny in the Reno has been around for over 20 years under the Opel/Vauxhall/Holden name?
Imagine Chevrolet 350.... well that's what this 2.0L is like in europe... there are millions of these engines allready in use.
Did you know that this 2.0L engine is one of the most popular modified engines in Europe and the rest of the world?
Did you know that there is a factory built (Opel) turbo version of this engine called the Z20LET found in many of the Opel, Vauxhall, Holden vehicles currently in production?
Did you know that there are both cast and tubular headers and turbo manifolds available for this car?
Did you know that there are forged pistons, forged rods, billet crankshafts, stroker kits, high output oil pumps, dry sump systems available for the 2.0L?
Did you know that right now I can list 50 companies that sell modified parts for this engine and transmission combination?
There are Quaife LSD units, dog gear 5spd and 6spd conversion kits, turrets, shifters... and more for the tranny.
Did you know that the highest horsepower Opel 2.0L runs nearly 800hp?
Did you know that this engines close cousing the Z20LET (2.0L turbo) can be very easily modified to run up in the 300hp range?
I have lots of experience with vehicles.... and I know a thing or two about Neon's and SRT-4 from my work experience at Apex Modified (my friend Travis is well known throughout Canada and a bit in the USA for his Neon/SRT-4 knowledge)
This engine can stand toe to toe with a Stage3 modified SRT-4 for less money.
I can get Any part you could wish for when it comes to this engine..... cams, turbos, adjustable cam gears, lightened flywheels, high performance cylinder heads, titanium valve hardware, enlarged valves, bronze guides, uprated single and dual springs, MLS gaskets, Kevlar spacers, intakes, Quad throttle body conversion kits, carburetor kits..... the list goes on and on
Did you know there are kits to move the redline to 12,000 RPM ??
Did you know that the korean market Lacetti (Reno) can be purchased with a full leather interior, GPS/Nav/DVD system, Automatic Climate control, factory tinted windows and a whole lot more?
Did you know there are wicked widebody conversion kits for the Forenza?
My guess..... is that you had no idea these parts are available..... most people don't..... but that's because it's just the tip of the iceburg when it comes to Opel vehicles being brought to North America.
Sure it's assembled in Korea.... but it's no different than a Cobalt from Mexico... in fact.... I'd take the Korean manufacturing over the Mexican assembly any day.
I used to work for a GM dealership.... I help Tom@360 Dynamics with research on parts for these cars... and I am the financial supporter behind the Daewootech forum.
Right now most of the people buying the Reno/Forenza/Optra/Optra 5 are young people with families.... but in 5 years when these cars start turning over to young single males looking for a cheap reliable ride.... this car will take off.
The biggest problem right now is that GM is trying to keep the Optra (Forenza) from killing the sales of the Cobalt..... as of the 2006 model year they stopped selling the Optra in Canada.... it's not because it was doing badly.... it's quite the opposite.... the car was outselling the Cobalt and Pursuit..... most of the car rental places were buying them as rental vehicles.
So now we only have the Optra 5 (Reno) and the Optra Wagon
To get to my point.... there is a huge aftermarket in Europe/UK/Korea but their prices over there are high and the shipping is a killer.
Once the market gets bigger (more people wanting to modify their cars) it will be possible to bring over components in bulk quantity (sea container)
SEMA isn't everything....... it's just that it gets most of the attension here in North America.
That's my 2 cents.... Chris ( Precision Boost Systems )
Originally posted by djfourmoney@Jan 23 2006, 01:13 AM I rather have somebody weld up a bunch of mandrel bends. Crush Bent exhaust stink, suck, whatever you want to use. You would gain more by replacing just the muffler on the Reno with a free-flowing unit, although unless well thought out results in a unreasonbly loud exhaust system and for sure a ticket from your local police or highway patrolmen.
I say turbo over nitrous only when you can afford it. Min $3,000, people have trouble spending $200.
Not to mention -
Clutch, Exhaust upgrade, larger injectors, tuning, drag radials or slicks, unless you like burning your tires off the line and a LSD if your serious about driving a boosted car quickly around a road course.
CAI, Pulley, Cam, Exhaust, Sticky Tires and Minor Weight reduction put my Neon into the 14's, makes about 140-145hp at the wheels.
Hard to believe a Reno/Forzena that run identical 0-60 times (9.3) and the automatic car runs 18's in the 1/4 (sticks run 17's), then how in the world does it run 15's with bolt-ons and drag radials?
Tires usually clean up the slow 60ft times. Those with little experience with drag radials or slicks result in basically disapointing 60ft times. At least the car would put that traction to use, because if your not aggressive with BFG's they will bog the motor.
Okay so I'll give you 3 tenths from the tires.
Where's the last 7 tenths of a seconds going to come from?
CAI, Pulley and Exhaust result in 25hp?
Going from C&D's review, it seems shifter bushings (and a short shifter) are in order for the Reno. Rubbery shifters and quick 1/4 times don't go together.
Maybe I need bug Suzuki for a car to develop, I would really hate myself I spent money to get one and try and develop parts on.
Then again, it is dirt cheap for a loaded car.... I'll really have to drive one.
I still say crinkle bent unless you wanna run high hp in the future. Hell $150 for a cat-back w/ muffler for crinkle bent or some (guessing) $400 for mandrel bent? On a mostly stock car I dont thinnk the gains are really noticable.
Anyways I've only ever done 3 runs... all three of my runs were on cold tires (no burn out whatso ever) on my 17" rim with a 200tread rating tire made for road courses. I managed a 16 seconds flat 1/4 mile (8sec flat 0-60mph)with crinkle bent cat-back, short ram intake, and UD pulley... hell i even had my subs in the car. Not to mention my lunch sucks. I think i could manage low 15s if i got several runs to learn how to lunch and warmed up the tires a bit on my 16" (bout 10lbs lighter ea than the 17") rims.
Chris already covered the fact there is alotta parts for this car. But look at my car in the garage and see how many parts i actually already have(i havnt finished adding a couple things either). Hell if I just simply lowered the compression im sure i could easly get 250whp.
Originally posted by djfourmoney@Jan 23 2006, 04:13 AM All the crap I just spewed about my Neon and all the dissing I did about the Reno etc...
You sir, are talking out your butt-hole. You seem to think that all Reno drivers can do is buy parts off the shelf. If they can't get them here, someone will have the guts to build something for themselves. That's how it got started for the Neon, or can't you remember having your own car being laughed at?
My own Neon dyno'd last month at 181hp and 148lb.ft to the wheels, and it was thanks to hard work and combination of off-the-shelf and custom fabricated parts. Personally I like to be respected for the work I put into my car, and I'm sure these fine folks are no different.
No aftermarket for the Reno? I bet in 5 years there will be at least a big an aftermarket in North America for these cars as there is for the 1st generation Neon platform after 10 years. Like Chris says, there's a ton of stuff out there that you have no clue about - BUT, if there weren't it'd be the small companies and fabricators that would build up the aftermarket from scratch. Kinda like Howell Automotive and Modern Performance did for the Neon - or maybe you thought they were like the AEM's and Magnaflow big corporations when you got yourself onto the scene?
Sorry buddy, I'm usually not rude on forums, but your "don't mean to offend" remark at the end of one of your posts was offensive in and of itself. At least I'll be honest with you and say that you need to be put in your friggin' place. When you belittle enthusiasts of another small-car platform, you're undermining all the hardwork that people, who have proven themselves far nicer than you, put into making the Neon a popular and well-supported compact car.
Kari "Not all Neon enthusiasts are like DJfourmoney" Pau
[size=1] :banana: LilSKirk23: You sure that all of the performance parts from the Forenza will fit on the Reno? Because I'm Working on the grille right now, but I'm going to try and do the internals, a catback and a cold air...
Dusty's SOHC Neon makes at least 200hp and the wheel. 14:1 compression, ported head, long tube header, yada, yada, yada. It ran 13's without trying hard in Michiagn. I've been buggin him for 2 years to take it up to Canada and tear you guys a new one, but he's a 19 year old kid trying to go to school and be somebody.
Your car isn't even the most powerful SOHC or DOHC in Canada to start with. I know several Canadians that run 12's on the motor with a Neon. I have owned 7 neons total including the world beater - The SRT-4 which sits outside with 18" wheels on it.
That's not the same car as my SRT-4, just the same color
The ACR sedan '98
The car Hedman and a few others used for testing. Also the car that gave birth to Project Neon in Sport Compact Car, Mike Kojima antics not withstanding
Raphie lives in Ontario, his runs 13's on his SOHC motor, with bolt-ons
Dusty's 200+hp SOHC monster
I love Neons, always have, always will.
I know what I'm talking about. I was there when the Neon had NO AFTERMARKET to speak of, and I do mean NONE.
I wasn't aware of the so-call huge aftermarket the Daweoo enjoys elsewhere on the planet and yes shipping kills. But I understand the demographic that buys most Suzuki's and they aren't going to pony up for even a 1/3 of the parts you mentioned in your post, so that was a wasted effort if there ever was one.
If I had the time, I'd drive the green POS up to Canada and roast your butt, I've done alot more too it since then.
I do know that I, for one, would get alot of the aftermarket parts talked about for the 2.0 liter, except that my euro spec lacetti has a 1.6 in it. The largest motor that comes in it over here is a 1.8. Maybe The Z20LET and F28 6speed tranny will fit?! Anywho I sure hope they bring out some body parts anyway.
Originally posted by c_riggan@May 13 2006, 04:26 AM I do know that I, for one, would get alot of the aftermarket parts talked about for the 2.0 liter, except that my euro spec lacetti has a 1.6 in it. The largest motor that comes in it over here is a 1.8. Maybe The Z20LET and F28 6speed tranny will fit?! Anywho I sure hope they bring out some body parts anyway.
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